We've updated our blog for the International Design Forum with more architectural projects from the Gulf region, including this competition entry for Dubai Marina by architect Michel Rojkind (above), plus a draft version of the conference programme.

The forum will be attended by leading figures such as Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, Greg Lynn, Marcel Wanders and Oliviero Toscani.

Sessions will debate topics including transforming the Arab city, making space for culture, design for the masses and design for luxury.

In addition, Rem Koolhaas and Hans-Ulrich Obrist will host a truncated version of the marathon talkathon they hosted at the Serpentine Gallery in London last summer.The three-day forum, which takes place from 27-29 May, aims to trigger a debate about the roles of architecture and design in the Arab world, in particular given the explosive development in Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.